Naked Sports with Cari Champion

This conversation delves into the complexities of race, rivalry, and media narratives in women's basketball, focusing on the contrasting portrayals of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.

Cari Champion interviews Ron James, Reese's former AAU Coach. They discuss Angel's character on and off the court and the role of family in athlete development.

The discussion highlights the importance of rivalry in sports, the evolution of women's basketball as it gains recognition and respect, and players like Angel Reese's impact on the game.

Cari also speaks with journalist Mitchell Northam, and Angel's former LSU teammate, FlauJae Johnson.

Other voices include Ryan Ruocco, Sabreena Merchant, Kev on Stage, and more... 

Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion

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In this episode we highlight the evolution of women's sports, particularly focusing on the impact of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the WNBA. 

Cari Champion interviews Lisa Bluder, former head coach of the University of Iowa women's basketball team. They discuss the impact of Caitlin Clark on the sport and her experience coaching Caitlin to superstardom.  Bluder shares her thoughts on the challenges and changes in women's athletics and gives her take on Caitlin’s performance in the WNBA. 

Cari also speaks with Caitlin’s high school coach, Kristin Meyer, Their conversation explores Caitlin's skills and playing style, her off-court personality, and the comparisons made between her and other basketball players. 

Within both conversations, we explore the historical context of women's athletics, the role of social media in shaping narratives, and the complexities of rivalry and race in sports.

Other voices include Ryan Ruocco, Sarah Spain, Sabreena Merchant, Kev on Stage, and more... 

Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion

Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!

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Welcome to Season 4 of NAKED SPORTS!

We're excited to kick off the season with a six-episode docu-series, *The Making of a Rivalry*, which follows the rise of women's basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The series traces their journey from high school to college, examining the media frenzy that has fueled their rivalry. It highlights their impact on the sport and how they've shaped the perception of women's basketball. The series also explores the importance of rivalries in sports and why competition is essential. 

This episode features interviews with players, coaches, and sports journalists, offering insights into the players' skills, personalities, and the challenges they face.

Special guests in this episode include Jemele Hill, Sarah Spain, Sabreena Merchant, and more."

Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion

Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!

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Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous “you can’t see me” exchange in the 2023 NCAA championship game. There was a fierce debate over their perceived rivalry and it only intensified once they became the hottest prospects in the WNBA's rookie class. 

The media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted women’s sports for generations. And now that Clark and Reese have brought thousands of new fans to the sport, is it safe to say that this storyline is what the WNBA needed?  Or has it invited toxicity into a space that has always prided itself on its inclusivity and sisterhood?

In this groundbreaking series, Cari Champion searches for answers from those who know Clark and Reese best – from the coaches who helped shape their game, to the players and journalists who have witnessed their meteoric rise first-hand. Champion traces the incredible parallel paths of not just these two historic talents, but the WNBA itself, and sets the stage for the collision course that has brought us to this very moment. The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese is not just about two of the brightest flames the sport has ever seen, but it also asks an essential question – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us?

 

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This is a special extended episode with one of the players who inspired Cari’s initial attraction to collegiate basketball.

Grant Henry Hill is a former American professional basketball player co-owner and executive of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. He joins us from his family’s home in the D.C. area to share stories of his upbringing, family, and long-lasting commitment to the game.

Read: Game: An Autobiography

Listen: Game: An Autobiography – The Audiobook

Connect: @CariChampion @realGrantHill

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Lynette Woodard is a retired American basketball Hall of Fame player, the First Female Globetrotter, a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, and a former women's basketball head coach. Woodard walks us through the particulars of what it’s like to be, "the first".

Connect:

@CariChampion

@theLynetteWoodard

Learn More: LynetteWoodard.com

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Dawn Staley grew up in a competitive household that prepared her for whatever the outside world would throw at her - but nothing could have readied her for being a female basketball player in the early ’90s. The WNBA was non-existent, and players had few career opportunities to compete professionally, but Staley was determined. She played overseas, worked odd jobs, and kept her head in the game, but not even she could have predicted the road that would lead her to South Carolina. After years of playing and coaching, Staley had witnessed various degrees of inequity, but this year '2021" she changed the sport and the trajectory for women to follow her. Off-the-court Dawn Staley has already won! During this episode, Staley speaks openly about her journey, what it took to get her here, and the risk involved. One thing is for certain; she earned this moment. Now back to the game.

Learn More: University of South Carolina Women's Basketball

Stay connected @CariChampion @staley05

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Born into a well-known talented family that has made a lasting imprint in the world of Gospel music, the natural progression would be to follow in their footsteps. However, Deborah Joy Winans decided to live her life following the direction of her heart. Deborah Joy is best known for her role in Greenleaf and The Final Say. She joins us today to share a special story about the birth of her son, when Oprah called her, and her upcoming role in the allblk original series, Terror Lake Drive.

Connect: @CariChampion @DeborahJoyWinans

Learn More: JoyWinans.com

Subscribe: Cari Champion’s YouTube Channel

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Angie Stone is a singer, songwriter, actress, and a legend in her own right.  You may remember her song, “Brotha” an anthem to uplift our brothers, sons, and fathers.  Angie Stone has been consistent with creating art that aligns with her soul, black love, and culture. Her new album, "Love Languages" is now available!  

Connect: @carichampion @theangiestone

Learn More: TheAngieStone.com

Listen: 

Angie Stone on Spotify

Angie Stone on Apple

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Van Lathan is an established host and media personality from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Currently, Van resides in Los Angeles and is developing film and television projects. Lathan is the author of Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation, Lathan explains in this episode why he wrote this book and how it helped him exercise some of his own demons. Van and Cari have a heated discussion over the unbalanced attraction men and women have to power. 

The Book: Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation

Connect: @VanLathan @CariChampion

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